I must say, I would have thought that I died based on how much I post on this thing. It feels like I have been at times. Waking up at 2, working 3-7am then again from 9-5pm then back to sleep by 7:30 to wake up again. With that kind of schedule I would rather be dead sometimes - not really.
An update:
By this time next week Rachel and I will have officially graduated from college. I will be on my way back home to finish the last two weeks of my internship, Rachel will be heading home to the summer for the last time as a single woman. Both of us will be in high gear for wedding planning. We will also be working to minimize our belongings to make it easier to move to where God provides a job.
Also during the next week Rachel and I have our last pre-marital meeting, she will have her senior recital, and our parents will meet for the first time. That last one is enough of an event to last me a while. It stresses me out just thinking about it. But it will be good for them to meet and have a chance to get to know each other before their son and daughter get married. It only seems fair.
A few weeks ago Rachel and I began to talk about what we need before we get married. Rachel and I are tight on money, as most college graduates are. I am not worried because I have seen God provide in the past and I know He is able to do it again. Rachel hasn't experienced that yet, and she questioned how God would provide for our needs as we get closer to getting married. "Is He going to send us random checks in the mail with money on them?" was how she thought it might work out. Only a week or so later that very thing happened. She got a check for graduation.
This morning I am sitting in a church sermon about the favor of God - undeserved/unexplained favorable acts from God. I get a message from Rachel commenting about the check she had received. She wanted to know if I remember the amount. I did. She messages back saying she had the wrong decimal place and it was for 10 times as much as we thought at first! Both her and I were blow away at how God provided right in front of us exactly when we needed it. I replied back to Rachel saying, "I knew God had something up his sleeve. He is incredible!" I could hardly believe it, but I don't doubt it. I guess that would be considered the favor of God...
Blessings from a favored pilgrim,
Later
Simply a pilgrim, looking for that city whose builder and maker is God, who enjoys bringing others along on the journey.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
FedEx
So, a few weeks ago I started working at FedEx for a little extra spending money before the wedding and as a back up job. Seeing that I have not landed a full-time job anywhere yet, having this as a back up is kind of nice. It has it's drawbacks for sure, but it is something.
One thing that I am sure a few people have noticed is that I have not really posted since Rachel has gotten back from South Africa. The bigger reason is time is limited now a days. Working 20 hours at FedEx, the internship, planning a wedding, finding a job, they stack up pretty quickly when it comes to taking away my life.
Anyways, a quick update before I head off to work this morning.
As of right now I have a few different jobs that are lining up for after the summer months. Nothing for sure, but they seem promising. As time gets closer and the jobs become more real I will likely fill you in more. As far as wedding planning goes, it is coming along nicely enough. It is hard because Rachel is so busy, but that will change in the next 3 weeks for sure. Because by then we will be graduating from college! Whoa! After that I am praying and trusting that God will provide a temp job for the summer and a full-time one by the wedding. It is all very exciting and scary when I think about it. I have no clue where I will be this time next year...
That is all I really have time for this morning. I hope to get back into this shortly, but right now it is difficult.
Blessings,
Later
One thing that I am sure a few people have noticed is that I have not really posted since Rachel has gotten back from South Africa. The bigger reason is time is limited now a days. Working 20 hours at FedEx, the internship, planning a wedding, finding a job, they stack up pretty quickly when it comes to taking away my life.
Anyways, a quick update before I head off to work this morning.
As of right now I have a few different jobs that are lining up for after the summer months. Nothing for sure, but they seem promising. As time gets closer and the jobs become more real I will likely fill you in more. As far as wedding planning goes, it is coming along nicely enough. It is hard because Rachel is so busy, but that will change in the next 3 weeks for sure. Because by then we will be graduating from college! Whoa! After that I am praying and trusting that God will provide a temp job for the summer and a full-time one by the wedding. It is all very exciting and scary when I think about it. I have no clue where I will be this time next year...
That is all I really have time for this morning. I hope to get back into this shortly, but right now it is difficult.
Blessings,
Later
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Joshua - Fear not
I am currently sitting the cafe at church as I type this blog entry. I have roughly 25 days before I walk at graduation, 40 days until I am "officially done" with my internship, 123 days until I get married, and I am sure a whole lot of other things before then too. Oh yeah, moving out on my own, that is about 50-60 days away. That is going to be rough. The first time I have really lived on my own. Hopefully by then I can know where Rachel and I will be staying, because I would rather not have to move twice in one year if I can avoid it.
When I think about everything that is going to be happening over the next 6 months alone it terrifies me. I have never not had some kind of school to do, or had a place to stay. I have no idea how to be a grown up person and live on my own! I am still working on the groceries thing - it is harder than you might think. Then add to all of that the idea of getting married and possibly starting a family!? That is for people who know what is going on, not me! I have no clue how all of this is going to work out or what is going to need to take place for me to support Rachel like I should.
Did I mention that I am terrified? Because I am. Almost to the point that it paralyzes me. Almost.
I had mentioned Joshua yesterday and the principles of Leadership. There is something else about Joshua that I have find great encouragement from. When you think about everything that was resting on his shoulders, it is overwhelming. He had the entire nation of Israel (I think it was roughly a half million people or more) waiting on his command to move forward into the promise land. They look to him as a leader, and as the one who would receive the word of the Lord. Additionally he had his own household to care for and I am sure many other things. His job description isn't one that a lot of people could fill, nor would they want to fill it. He was following after Moses, one of the greatest leaders the world has ever know and a true prophet of God. These were not easy shoes to fill.
I don't know about you, but my list of responsibilities just got a whole lot shorted in comparison to what Joshua had going for him. I think if at any point he tried to rely on his own strength and wisdom he would have surely become overwhelmed with what God was asking of him. If he looked into the promise land and thought about how he was going to rule over the nations, I am sure he would have been terrified, too. They greatly out numbered and out sized them on all accounts, Israel didn't stand a chance in human terms.
All that is "If" he relied on his own strength and if he saw things from a human perspective. But records don't show Joshua thinking according to that frame of mind, he trust in the Lord who delivered them from the world power of the day without even using a sword - Egypt by the way of the Red Sea. Joshua saw the many nations as a small thing for God, something he could easily take care of with or without swords.
When it came to fear and failure, Joshua had neither. He knew that as he followed God, there was no option for failure and no reason to fear. Many others trembled at the sight of those in the promise land, but Joshua trusted in the promise of the Lord who said the He would fight for them and bring them into the land. God would drive out all the other nations and go into the battlefield before Israel. Joshua understood that he could not enter the promise land on his own strength, but it was God alone that brought them into the land. As he and the nation trusted and followed God, the were able to enter the promise land. When they thought they could fight the nations on the own or disobeyed God, things went bad for Israel.
So when you stand back and think about it. Entering the promise land wasn't that difficult at all for the nation Israel. All they had to do was trust in God's promise and obey His commands to serve Him and no foreign gods. God took care of the rest. It is no wonder God told the people time and time again, "Fear not." Because their was really no reason to fear as long as they trusted in God.
When it comes to entering my own "promise land", it could be very terrifying to think about. But the same God that brought Israel into the promise land through Joshua, is the God that will fight for me. I simply have to trust in His promises to care and provide for me, and not serve other "foreign gods" (such as self, money, skills, resources or anything else). That is it. No so terrifying now, is it?
Blessing from a pilgrim that is trying to follow the God who is bigger than his problems.
Later
When I think about everything that is going to be happening over the next 6 months alone it terrifies me. I have never not had some kind of school to do, or had a place to stay. I have no idea how to be a grown up person and live on my own! I am still working on the groceries thing - it is harder than you might think. Then add to all of that the idea of getting married and possibly starting a family!? That is for people who know what is going on, not me! I have no clue how all of this is going to work out or what is going to need to take place for me to support Rachel like I should.
Did I mention that I am terrified? Because I am. Almost to the point that it paralyzes me. Almost.
I had mentioned Joshua yesterday and the principles of Leadership. There is something else about Joshua that I have find great encouragement from. When you think about everything that was resting on his shoulders, it is overwhelming. He had the entire nation of Israel (I think it was roughly a half million people or more) waiting on his command to move forward into the promise land. They look to him as a leader, and as the one who would receive the word of the Lord. Additionally he had his own household to care for and I am sure many other things. His job description isn't one that a lot of people could fill, nor would they want to fill it. He was following after Moses, one of the greatest leaders the world has ever know and a true prophet of God. These were not easy shoes to fill.
I don't know about you, but my list of responsibilities just got a whole lot shorted in comparison to what Joshua had going for him. I think if at any point he tried to rely on his own strength and wisdom he would have surely become overwhelmed with what God was asking of him. If he looked into the promise land and thought about how he was going to rule over the nations, I am sure he would have been terrified, too. They greatly out numbered and out sized them on all accounts, Israel didn't stand a chance in human terms.
All that is "If" he relied on his own strength and if he saw things from a human perspective. But records don't show Joshua thinking according to that frame of mind, he trust in the Lord who delivered them from the world power of the day without even using a sword - Egypt by the way of the Red Sea. Joshua saw the many nations as a small thing for God, something he could easily take care of with or without swords.
When it came to fear and failure, Joshua had neither. He knew that as he followed God, there was no option for failure and no reason to fear. Many others trembled at the sight of those in the promise land, but Joshua trusted in the promise of the Lord who said the He would fight for them and bring them into the land. God would drive out all the other nations and go into the battlefield before Israel. Joshua understood that he could not enter the promise land on his own strength, but it was God alone that brought them into the land. As he and the nation trusted and followed God, the were able to enter the promise land. When they thought they could fight the nations on the own or disobeyed God, things went bad for Israel.
So when you stand back and think about it. Entering the promise land wasn't that difficult at all for the nation Israel. All they had to do was trust in God's promise and obey His commands to serve Him and no foreign gods. God took care of the rest. It is no wonder God told the people time and time again, "Fear not." Because their was really no reason to fear as long as they trusted in God.
When it comes to entering my own "promise land", it could be very terrifying to think about. But the same God that brought Israel into the promise land through Joshua, is the God that will fight for me. I simply have to trust in His promises to care and provide for me, and not serve other "foreign gods" (such as self, money, skills, resources or anything else). That is it. No so terrifying now, is it?
Blessing from a pilgrim that is trying to follow the God who is bigger than his problems.
Later
Monday, April 9, 2012
Joshua - Leadership
I was thinking about Joshua on the ride back from work today and I realized he is a model of leadership. I know that I should have picked this up before, but I just occurred to me that he dealt with the same situation that I am dealing with and was able to allow God to over come it.
Regardless of my situation, the principle is people will not follow their leader if he himself is not willing to go. Though most will follow at if he is willing to go, even more will follow if he is willing to go alone. The last aspect of Joshua's leadership is that he did not even go of his own strength, he trusted God to lead him.
Even though odds were stacked against him and many did not believe it were possible, he trusted God to deliver them into the promise land.
Simply a pilgrim, trying to find his way.
Later
Regardless of my situation, the principle is people will not follow their leader if he himself is not willing to go. Though most will follow at if he is willing to go, even more will follow if he is willing to go alone. The last aspect of Joshua's leadership is that he did not even go of his own strength, he trusted God to lead him.
Even though odds were stacked against him and many did not believe it were possible, he trusted God to deliver them into the promise land.
6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”God, I am not strong enough to go into the land that you have promised for me. I cannot fight the enemy on my own strength nor do I have the courage to stand on my own. Lord, I ask that you would lead me into the promise land, fight the enemies before me in my life, and give me the courage to stand under your leadership.
Simply a pilgrim, trying to find his way.
Later
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
South Africa - She is back!
Sorry for not posting on either Monday or Tuesday. I was on the road to pick Rachel up from the airport. The whole time she was gone I was planning to make the trip out here to help pick her up or at least see her when she got back. Turns out even better than that - I got to drive the cargo van and had 3+ hours with her to talk on the drive back. I missed her a lot more than I thought I would have.
I left Monday around 11am and arrived safely by the grace of God (not joking - I was so sleepy for some reason) around 5pm. I ate dinner twice - once at school and once with a friend and then went to bed at 8pm. Woke back up at 1:30am to get everything ready, do some reading, and leave for JFK Airport at 4am. Arrived at 7am and surprised Rachel at 8am! She had no idea!
I left Monday around 11am and arrived safely by the grace of God (not joking - I was so sleepy for some reason) around 5pm. I ate dinner twice - once at school and once with a friend and then went to bed at 8pm. Woke back up at 1:30am to get everything ready, do some reading, and leave for JFK Airport at 4am. Arrived at 7am and surprised Rachel at 8am! She had no idea!
I also was able to take a few pictures on the way in that morning. It was kind of tricky because I was driving (don't worry, I took this when at a complete stop in traffic).
I hope you enjoy this little adventure. I know that I did.
Blessings from a pilgrim that is happy to have his best friend back safely,
Later
Monday, March 26, 2012
South Africa - Day 16
Sunday when I went to find my note I realized something. There was only two more notes left in the pile! Which meant that there was only two more days until Rachel got back. I can hardly believe it!? Thought some days it honestly has felt like more than 2 weeks, these past two have gone by rather quickly. I lean more on the "This is taking forever" side of things - I would really like Rachel back.
By the time most people are getting to work, Rachel will be getting on one of her planes to get back to the US. The big flight leaves at 6pm (noon my time) Monday. 16+ hours later, she lands.
The hardest part of her coming back is going to be catching her up on the last 17 days. So much has happened! A normal two weeks would be difficult to talk about, but two weeks were we are both in serious ministry positions is a bit more challenging. Not only do we get to talk about what happened, but always what happened to us. How God challenged and shaped our lives as a result of the past two weeks. I know that will be a big one for me. I have no doubts that will be huge for her also. God has done wondrous things.
I don't really have anything else to say right now. I am just looking forward to having Rachel back and being about to talk more than we have the last two weeks (not much for those that are wondering). I guess that is it.
Blessings from a impatiently waiting pilgrim,
Later
By the time most people are getting to work, Rachel will be getting on one of her planes to get back to the US. The big flight leaves at 6pm (noon my time) Monday. 16+ hours later, she lands.
The hardest part of her coming back is going to be catching her up on the last 17 days. So much has happened! A normal two weeks would be difficult to talk about, but two weeks were we are both in serious ministry positions is a bit more challenging. Not only do we get to talk about what happened, but always what happened to us. How God challenged and shaped our lives as a result of the past two weeks. I know that will be a big one for me. I have no doubts that will be huge for her also. God has done wondrous things.
I don't really have anything else to say right now. I am just looking forward to having Rachel back and being about to talk more than we have the last two weeks (not much for those that are wondering). I guess that is it.
Blessings from a impatiently waiting pilgrim,
Later
Sunday, March 25, 2012
South Africa - Day 15
Today Rachel and the Chambers team will be at a church and helping out with the different ministries. Youth ministry I think. This is their second to last full day in South Africa before flying back to the states. On Sunday they will lead worship at a church, Monday they will pack up and say their goodbyes. Their flight takes off at 3pm. With travel time to the airport, I would imagine that this is relatively early.
I got to exchange a few emails with Rachel today. Having the chance to talk with her only made me more excited about her coming back. We have already set up a Skype date for Wednesday and I know that we are both looking forward to that. I'll also get a quick phone call when she lands to know she is safe - I appreciate those.
In preparation for getting married, Rachel and I are reading lots of different books on relationships and marriage in general. Some of them are more useful than others. Most of them provide a good platform to talk about different subjects or share ideas. The book I am reading now is titled, Love and Respect and deals with the core needs of both males and females. It has been a great read so far - I read most of it today, hope to finish it tomorrow.
One of the most helpful things about reading this book is that Rachel read it first. She underlined a bunch of stuff, wrote notes along the way, and she pointed out things she would likely do. Now I am reading the book and trying to do the same. Writing down comments and underlining the important parts to talk about later.
Reading these kind of books are very helpful to prevent the marriage from going sour (I need all the help I can get), but I always wonderful if they can help repair a marriage gone bad. The book claims that multiple marriages have been saved, but I have my doubts. The more I read this book, though, the more I think it might be possible. If there is anything good in a person, they could make it work I believe. It is worth a shot at least - what is their to lose?
Blessings from a pilgrim in progress,
Later
I got to exchange a few emails with Rachel today. Having the chance to talk with her only made me more excited about her coming back. We have already set up a Skype date for Wednesday and I know that we are both looking forward to that. I'll also get a quick phone call when she lands to know she is safe - I appreciate those.
In preparation for getting married, Rachel and I are reading lots of different books on relationships and marriage in general. Some of them are more useful than others. Most of them provide a good platform to talk about different subjects or share ideas. The book I am reading now is titled, Love and Respect and deals with the core needs of both males and females. It has been a great read so far - I read most of it today, hope to finish it tomorrow.
One of the most helpful things about reading this book is that Rachel read it first. She underlined a bunch of stuff, wrote notes along the way, and she pointed out things she would likely do. Now I am reading the book and trying to do the same. Writing down comments and underlining the important parts to talk about later.
Reading these kind of books are very helpful to prevent the marriage from going sour (I need all the help I can get), but I always wonderful if they can help repair a marriage gone bad. The book claims that multiple marriages have been saved, but I have my doubts. The more I read this book, though, the more I think it might be possible. If there is anything good in a person, they could make it work I believe. It is worth a shot at least - what is their to lose?
Blessings from a pilgrim in progress,
Later
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